Are you looking to book your next getaway, but don’t want to follow the crowd? For travellers who are tired of holidaying with the same old English traditions, maybe it’s time to start thinking outside the box.
Here is a guide to five unusual holiday destinations that’ll let you escape the rat race and the tourists.
Indonesia
The stunning Indonesian islands aren’t that commonly visited by Brits due to their sheer distance, but if you book a holiday here you will soon discover it’s well worth the journey.
Featuring around 1,800 islands, this vast archipelago ticks all of the boxes for the perfect tropical getaway. Stunning beaches, historic temples and exotic jungle vegetation mean there’s always something new and exciting just around the corner.
You can also visit the nation’s fascinating wildlife, which includes orangutans, elephants and tigers. Guests can soak up the island’s fascinating culture, including delicious local cuisine, arts, music and dance. Best of all, you get to experience it all without bumping into half of Blighty ordering their bacon and chips for breakfast.
Japan
Japan is a nation that’s characterised by its contrast of old and new – the rich history of the Samurai is met with the nation’s current drive for innovation, gadgets and technology. It’s also a country that’s renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, from the onsen hot springs to the majestic dive spots in Kabira.
Japanese cuisine is also an eye-opener, and guests can experience some of the freshest and best prepared seafood in the world here. Japan exotic way of life is also incredibly welcoming and approachable and with luxury holidays with Club Med, guests can find the perfect balance between the new and the familiar.
Oman
Destinations like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have achieved a lot in terms of making the Middle East feel more accessible for tourists. So why not check out the next holiday hotspot on the Arabian Peninsula, Oman?
With far-flung deserts, dramatic gorges and spectacular mountain ranges, this isn’t an environment for the faint hearted, but if you’d rather avoid the glittering sky scrapers and are looking for something off the beaten track, Oman is the getaway spot for you.
Mayan Riviera
Mexico has long been the party spot for American students and the rich playboys, but the region is quickly revealing a different side to its usual party towns like Cancun.
The stunning Mayan Riviera offers a different vibe and atmosphere altogether, with towns like Tulum and Sayulita. Forget the full moon parties and DJs, Mexico is a country for discovering ancient Mayan temples and private swimming holes.
Senegal
Head to Africa’s western coastline and you’ll discover breath taking natural beauty and fascinating local culture. Senegal is at the heart of this, featuring among other things a rich musical culture and a series of dreamy natural landscapes. It’s a great spot for both romantics and adventure seekers, with excellent scuba diving sites and beautiful beaches.
Robert Schrader is a travel writer and photographer who’s been roaming the world independently since 2005, writing for publications such as “CNNGo” and “Shanghaiist” along the way. His blog, Leave Your Daily Hell, provides a mix of travel advice, destination guides and personal essays covering the more esoteric aspects of life as a traveler.
